Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous No amount of over-tourism, or depopulation, or high water — all of which plague this stupendous town — can change that. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 Their seven wins largely stem from stupendous pitching performances. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025 The effort followed on the heels of the stupendous Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, visited by 27 million folks from around the world. Jim Nowlan, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025 Certainly not for novelty’s sake; we are hardly starved for dramas of mental decay, or for the stupendous feats of acting that are often achieved in their service. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • Brad Schmitt Hey there, new neighbors, and welcome back to our intro to Nashville and all the wonderful things the city has to offer you.
    Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • The shoes have amazing cushioning that provides serious support, which was ideal for long walks in Athens.
    Alexis Benveniste, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
  • Apple’s iOS 26 is coming this fall, along with some amazing new features for your iPhone, many of which are powered by Apple Intelligence AI — alongside a new design language dubbed Liquid Glass.
    Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Then to be promoted to the summer tour party and, on top of that, trusted to perform in adult matches with a significant audience and unstoppable level of attention is astonishing.
    Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Well, the bolt is an astonishing 515 miles (829 kilometers) long.
    Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • Osbourne’s public rebirth with The Osbournes—the MTV reality series that ran from 2002 to 2005—transmuted his erratic nature and past struggles into a miraculous joke.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
  • The original statue in Manila was brought to the Philippines in 1606 and faithful around the world have attributed miraculous healing properties to the statue.
    Emilie Takahashi, Oc Register, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Everyone who works at Sunderland has just gone through an incredible challenge of trying to navigate from League One to the Premier League.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • Some incredible people were with us at the beginning, but life happens.
    Jon-Michael Banks, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • Adventures in bubbly start now with this list of the coolest new Champagnes and sparkling wines: Laurent-Perrier Héritage: A marvelous new expression from the family-run house of Laurent-Perrier—in many ways the Hermès of Champagne.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Also, don’t miss the marvelous feature from Jeremy Kahn about how Aravind Srinivas turned Perplexity into an $18 billion would-be Google killer.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Under the temporary guidance of Austin FC coach Nico Estévez, MLS came out with a proactive approach, surprising Liga MX’s team with genuine high-pressing and determined counterattacks.
    Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 24 July 2025
  • But, Devers' comments after the game were perhaps even more surprising.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • This was adapted as a limited series on Netflix and stars the transcendent Meghann Fahy and the equally stunning Nicole Kidman.
    Karin Slaughter, People.com, 29 July 2025
  • The hotel can also organise local experiences, such as a Mini Moke hire to drive to Castellar de la Frontera, one of Spain’s most stunning villages; or an olive oil experience at La Almazara La Organic, an olive grove and museum designed by Philippe Starck set at the foot of the Serranía de Ronda.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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